SANTA FE—A domestic partnership bill proposed by New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is beginning to move through the state’s legislature.

The New Mexico House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee narrowly approved the measure Jan. 17.

It must also pass another committee vote before it would reach the full house for a vote.

The bill allows couples, gay or straight, to file affidavits with county clerks, who would issue certificates. The arrangement would provide those couples the same legal responsibilities and protections as marriage.

Richardson had asked lawmakers to approve the bill in a special session last spring. The New Mexico House voted for it, but the state’s senate never took it up.